Head-to-head · Best Audio Interfaces

Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 vs Focusrite Vocaster Two

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Focusrite Vocaster Two comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about serious podcasters needing all-in-one solution — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Audio Interfaces

Behringer U-Phoria UMC22

4.2

$69as of Jul 7

The Behringer UMC22 offers exceptional value for money as a budget audio interface, capable of handling home recording duties and producing good-quality audio from a variety of sources. MusicRadar called it a great audio interface for first-timers or those on a tight budget, though it lacks a dedicated Windows driver and is noisier than competitors. Audio Science Review confirmed its USB-powered design with 48V phantom power, two line outputs, and headphone out, noting it supports only 48kHz at 16 bits. It's ideal for beginners or those on a tight budget but may not satisfy users seeking premium performance.

Strengths

— Insane value for money
— Nice and compact size
— Great for home studio work

Watch-outs

— No dedicated driver on Windows
— Noisy compared to others

$69 · Buy at sweelee.com.sg Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Audio Interfaces

Focusrite Vocaster Two

4.5

$89.99as of Jul 1

The Focusrite Vocaster Two is designed specifically for podcasters, offering dual XLR inputs, phone connectivity with mix-minus, and Bluetooth capabilities in a compact form factor. Reviewers noted its ease of setup and solid audio quality, though the $299 price point may be excessive for casual users. The device works well with macOS and iPad, but advanced features require the Vocaster Hub software. While it provides impressive versatility for podcast production, most users won't need all its features, making it better suited for serious podcasters who want a one-stop solution.

Strengths

— Includes two XLR inputs with phantom power support
— Built-in phone connection with mix-minus for echo reduction
— Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio input

Watch-outs

— Expensive compared to basic audio interfaces at $299
— Requires dedicated software (Vocaster Hub) for advanced features

$89.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Behringer U-Phoria UMC22

The Behringer UMC22 offers unmatched value for money compared to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen and Universal Audio Volt Series, but it lacks the build quality and technical performance of the Audient iD4 MkII and the advanced features of the Focusrite Vocaster Two. While it's a solid budget option, it's outperformed by the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen in terms of noise floor and dynamic range.

Focusrite Vocaster Two

The Focusrite Vocaster Two is unique in its phone connectivity with mix-minus and Bluetooth capabilities, features absent in the Universal Audio Volt Series and the Audient iD4 MkII. However, it's more expensive than the Behringer UMC22 and lacks the technical performance and build quality of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, making it less suitable for users needing raw audio quality or budget-conscious buyers.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Behringer U-Phoria UMC22	Focusrite Vocaster Two
Inputs	2	2 XLR
Outputs	Headphone out, 2 line outputs	Stereo 3.5mm jack, Camera output
Sample Rate	48kHz	48kHz
Bit Depth	16 bits	24-bit
Power	USB-powered	Bus-powered via USB-C
Headphone Jack	1/4" jack	1/4" jack
Connectivity	—	USB-C, Bluetooth
Preamps	—	JFET

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